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I was reminded and encouraged by a friend today to be praying especially in these days for Bishop Mouneer Anis, the Primate of Jerusalem and the Middle East, who is a member of the Primates Standing Committee.

It seems especially important to uphold Bishop Mouneer in prayer as the other orthodox Primate, Bp. Orombi of Uganda will be unable to attend the ACC meeting.

May the Lord encourage and strengthen Bishop Mouneer daily and give him the mind of Christ in each decision he will be making in the days ahead.

This prayer from the 1928 BCP service for the ordination of a bishop comes to mind:

MOST merciful Father, send down, we beseech thee, upon this thy servant thy heavenly blessing; and so endue him with thy Holy Spirit, that he, preaching thy Word, may not only be earnest to reprove, beseech, and rebuke, with all patience and doctrine; but also may be, to such as believe, a wholesome example in word, in conversation, in love, in faith, in chastity, and in purity; that, faithfully fulfilling his course, at the latter day he may receive the crown of righteousness, laid up by the Lord Jesus, the righteous Judge, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the same Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen

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So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that he stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, (Luke 5:1) Jesus, we pray for all those going to the Diocesan Convention that we will press in to hear your word.

and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. (Luke 5:2) Jesus, come into our work lives as you did with Simon.

Then he got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat. (Luke 5:3) Holy Spirit, guide us in our work lives so that they become the means by which people are taught by you.

When he had stopped speaking, he said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” (Luke 5:4) Father, please help us heed Jesus’ commands and launch out into the deep to let our nets down. Help us recognize and respond to the mission opportunities you place before us.

But Simon answered and said to him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at your word I will let down the net.” (Luke 5:5) Jesus, Master, help us go the extra mile for you.

And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. (Luke 5:6) Father, please help us bring in the catch you have for us.

So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. (Luke 5:7) Holy Spirit, please help us assist one another throughout the diocese to bring in the catch.

When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” (Luke 5:8 ) Jesus, help us acknowledge our sins before you as Simon Peter did.

For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; (Luke 5:9) Jesus, surprise us with joy at the catch you bring in.

and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” (Luke 5:10) Father, help us set aside our fear of the unknown and become effective fishers of men.

So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed him. (Luke 5:11) Jesus, help us throughout the diocese to forsake all to follow you. Thank you.

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On April 30, 1863, during the darkest days of our country, President Abraham Lincoln called for a day of united prayer and fasting.

Lord God Almighty, who hast made all the peoples of the earth for thy glory, to serve you in freedom and in peace: Give to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with thy gracious will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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1 John 5:21 (Amplified Bible)Little children, keep yourselves from idols (false gods)–[from anything and everything that would occupy the place in your heart due to God, from any sort of substitute for Him that would take first place in your life]. Amen (so let it be).

O Father, may it be so for the participants in the Anglican Consultative Council. Amen.

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God, give us eyes to see
the beauty of the Spring,
And to behold Your majesty
in every living thing –
And may we see in lacy leaves
and every budding flower
The Hand that rules the universe
with gentleness and power –
And may this Easter grandeur
that Spring lavishly imparts
Awaken faded flowers of faith
lying dormant in our hearts,
And give us ears to hear, dear God,
the Springtime song of birds
With messages more meaningful
than man’s often empty words
Telling harried human beings
who are lost in dark despair –
‘Be like us and do not worry
for God has you in His care.